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www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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Paper permission on file by Diona Reeves
Knowledge of the structures of the mouth, their locations, and nomenclature is important in helping children maintain good oral health.
The ability to recognize normal from abnormal and to communicate that information to families and other health professionals will aid in education and provision of care.
This PowerPoint will review key anatomic structures in the mouth and typical and atypical development of these structures.
www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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Paper permission on file by Diona Reeves
Upon completion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
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Recognize and properly label oral anatomic sites.
Describe the location of a tooth lesion using the correct tooth name, letter or number designation, and surface label.
Recall the layers of a tooth and their basic functions.
www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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The lips form the entryway of the mouth.
The following structures underlie the epithelium of the skin of the lips:
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Vasculature
Sweat glands
Hair follicles
Muscles that function to move the lips www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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The mucous membrane of the lips is non-keratinized with many capillary vessels close to the surface, giving it the pinkish/red color.
Examination of the lips is valuable in recognizing signs of illness, such as cyanosis herpetic lesions, or trauma.
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Used with permission from Martha Ann Keels, DDS, PhD; Division Head of Duke Pediatric
Dentistry, Duke Children's Hospital www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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The cheeks form the sides of the mouth.
Like the lips, the cheeks are muscles covered with skin on the outside and mucous membranes on the inside.
Examination of the oral mucosa is especially important in adolescents who chew tobacco to screen for oral cancer.
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Along with trauma, you may also note the following:
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Permission from Martha Ann Keels, DDS, PhD; Division Head of
Duke Pediatric Dentistry, Duke Children's Hospital
Aphthous ulcers
Permission from Martha Ann Keels, DDS, PhD; Division
Head of Duke Pediatric Dentistry, Duke Children's Hospital
Mucoceles www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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The gingiva (gums) is the mucosal membrane that covers the periodontal ligaments, the alveolar sockets, bones of the jaw, and borders the teeth at their neck.
The periodontal ligament is made up of bundles of connective tissue fibers that anchor the teeth within the jaws.
As the teeth erupt, ridges of bone called alveolar processes develop around the teeth to provide support.
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Examination of the gingiva can help reveal gingivitis.
If untreated, gingivitis can progress to bone involvement, or periodontitis.
Severe periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
Permission from Noel Childers, DDS, MS, PhD; Department of Pediatric
Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

The palate is the area in the roof of the mouth that starts behind the upper teeth and extends to the uvula.
A normal hard palate consists of the fusion of bones in the upper jaw and the palatine bones.
The soft palate is mostly muscle and has an important role in swallowing and speech.
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Examination of the hard and soft palate may uncover thrush. www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

Used with permission from shutterstock.com
The tongue is composed entirely of muscle and connective tissue and has ventral and dorsal surfaces.
The ventral surface (underside) is smooth. The dorsal surface (top) is most visible on examination.
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The dorsal surface includes the fungiform, foliate, and circumvallate papillae, which are associated with the sense of taste.
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Beneath the tongue is the floor of the mouth.
The frenulum connects the floor of the mouth to the tongue.
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Used with permission from Rocio B. Quinonez, DMD, MS, MPH; Associate Professor Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry University of North Carolina
A thick frenulum that limits the movement is called ankyloglossia.
In cases where breastfeeding is inhibited, a frenectomy may be done to release the tongue.
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Near the frenulum are the tiny openings of the submandibular salivary glands. These openings are called
Wharton’s ducts.
There are 2 large salivary glands, known as the Parotid glands. These glands empty through tiny holes called
Stenson’s ducts.
Failure of the Parotid glands to produce saliva leads to xerostomia, an abnormal dryness of the mouth.
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Used with permission from the American Dental Association
There are 4 kinds of teeth:
1. Incisors
2. Canines
3. Premolars
4. Molars www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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The 4 front teeth are the central and lateral incisors. Next to the incisors are the cuspids.
Next to the cuspids are the
8 premolars, or bicuspids.
The final 12 teeth are the molars.
The molars have pits and fissures that can harbor cariogenic bacteria and are a common site of dental caries.
Used with permission from the American Dental Association www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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These terms describe the sides of the tooth:
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Buccal/labial/facial – Side that faces outward, toward the cheeks or lips
Lingual/palatal – Inside surface facing the tongue or the palate
Mesial - Sides of the teeth that face the front of the mouth
Distal - Surfaces of the teeth that face the back of the mouth
Occlusal - Surface of the back teeth where biting and chewing takes place
Incisal - Biting surface of the front teeth www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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The tooth consists of a crown and a root.
The crown is visible above the gums.
The root is covered with cementum, which anchors it to the periodontal membrane.
Used with permission from Miller Medical Illustration & Design www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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The hard, outer surface of the crown is the enamel.
The enamel is mostly composed of hydroxyapatite.
Binding of fluoride to the hydroxyapatite leads to the formation of fluoroapatite, which makes the enamel harder and more resistant to decay.
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The enamel protects the dentin , a hard, thick substance containing thousands of tubules that surround the nerve.
These tubules contain tiny projections of the nerve and are sensitive to exposure to air, acid, and touch.
The pulp is the soft core of the tooth that contains blood vessels, connective tissue, and the nerve itself.
Used with permission from the American Dental Association

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The most common indication to perform a frenectomy (ankyloglossia release) is:
A. Prematurity
B. Inability to handle introduction of solid foods
C. Interference with breastfeeding
D. Dysarticulation/speech impediment
E. Development of cavities www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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The most common indication to perform a frenectomy (ankyloglossia release) is:
A. Prematurity
B. Inability to handle introduction of solid foods
C. Interference with breastfeeding
D. Dysarticulation/speech impediment
E. Development of cavities www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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Which teeth are the most common site for caries?
A. Pre-molars
B. Incisors
C. Molars
D. Canines
E. None of the above www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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Which teeth are the most common site for caries?
A. Pre-molars
B. Incisors
C. Molars
D. Canines
E. None of the above www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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The hard, thick substance of the tooth that surrounds the nerve is known as the:
A. Enamel
B. Dentin
C. Hydroxyapatite
D. Cementum
E. Pulp www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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The hard, thick substance of the tooth that surrounds the nerve is known as the:
A. Enamel
B. Dentin
C. Hydroxyapatite
D. Cementum
E. Pulp www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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Which term describes the sides of the teeth that face the front of the mouth?
A. Mesial
B. Distal
C. Buccal
D. Occlusal
E. Incisal www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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Which term describes the sides of the teeth that face the front of the mouth?
A. Mesial
B. Distal
C. Buccal
D. Occlusal
E. Incisal www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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Which type of papillae is responsible for the sense of taste?
A. Fungiform
B. Conventrial
C. Circumvallate
D. Foliate
E. Flavial www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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Which type of papillae is responsible for the sense of taste?
A. Fungiform
B. Conventrial
C. Circumvallate
D. Foliate
E. Flavial www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact

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1. Anatomy of orofacial structures. 7th edition. RW Brand and DE Isselhard eds. St Louis. Mosby. 2003.
2. Netter's head and neck anatomy for dentistry. NS
Norton. Philadelphia. Saunders Elsevier. 2007.
3. Wheeler's dental anatomy, physiology and occlusion, 8th
Edition. MM Ash and SJ Nelson eds. Philadelphia. Saunders.
2003. www.aap.org/oralhealth/pact